By adopting a tilted roof, the Q5 retains most of its qualities on long journeys. Our opinion behind the wheel of the 40 TDI diesel version.
Second life for the Q5? Restyled at mid-career a few months ago, the German SUV benefits for the first time from a second body – known as Sportback – more streamlined. As was the case for classic SUVs in the 2000s, Ingolstadt took its time to gain a foothold in the “coupes” market: the first BMW X4 was released in 2014 and the Mercedes GLC. fastback two years later. The rear window is tilted at 40 ° but the design remains more sober than its opponents. Like its little brother – the Q3 Sportback – the machine benefits from some specific design details: grille inserts, slimline rear quarter panel, raised rear bumper… The total length changes only seven millimeters compared to the Q5 tradi. Here, Audi expects to divide its orders fairly between the coupe version and the classic SUV.
It’s time to give the good news: rear passengers aren’t beheaded on the altar of style. You will only touch the roof (lowered by less than 2 cm) if you exceed 1.85 m. Hold side, the value decreases from 550 to 510 liters. A reasonable ablation that becomes less so if you opt for the plug-in hybrid version. The presence of the battery under the floor then lowers the carriage to 455 liters. The interior remains bright and perfectly arranged. Soft materials, high-resolution digital instrumentation, impeccable ergonomics… Despite the years – the Q5 came out in 2016 – the interior of an Audi remains a benchmark. Since the restyling, the 10.1-inch central screen has (finally) become touch-sensitive and responds to the “Hey Audi” voice command, making it more intuitive. The speed of execution is in the average of the current automobile production, even if it remains lower than that of a smartphone.
Placed transversely, the VW group’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is backed up by a mild hybrid system, responsible for reducing emissions and consumption. Its interventions are almost transparent to the driver, but it now allows the “40 TDI” to offer 204 hp, against 190 previously. A chouia sound but flexible and available, this unit is appreciated especially at stabilized speed. The S-Tronic 7-speed robotic gearbox is just right for everyday driving while the all-wheel drive makes this Q5 diesel the ally for winter journeys. On a winding Corsican road, we noticed a average consumption of 9.2 liters / 100 km : although the new body reduces the Cx to 0.30, a Q5 displaces air… and weight (1.9 tonnes). On degraded roads, the classic damping ensures comfort of good quality. But the electronically controlled pneumatic suspension – tested on the plug-in hybrid version – brings the machine straight into the world of silk. Think about it when checking the options (here at 2,040 euros) when ordering, especially if you are used to long journeys. With the conventional device, the roll is present, but remains reasonable given the family nature of the machine. The Q5 compensates for excess with a quiet understeer. The management, however, is not very informative if you decide to drive cheerful resolute.
It remains to address the chapter of finance. As often with Audi, the list of options takes many pages. The prices evolve in the same waters as the X4 and GLC Coupé. This diesel version is punished by the penalty (from 1,761 euros … and more depending on your choice of wheels or options) and a resale value which may decrease in the years to come, in front of the disenchantment of the big cities for fuel oil. This Q5 40 TDI is still a good choice for heavy riders, especially in the mountains.
What about the plug-in hybrid?
A brief test run aboard the Q5 TFSI 55 e allowed us to see its qualities. The transitions between electric and thermal are almost insensitive (to the ear) and consumption tops out at 6.5 liters of unleaded per 100 kilometers… if you have taken the precaution of plugging in the machine. Otherwise, consumption on a winding road can soar beyond 10 liters. Placed under the boot floor, the useful 14 kWh battery allows the Sporback to complete more than 50 “real” km in 100% electric mode. Unfortunately, the luggage toast since the trunk capacity plummets from 510 to 455 liters. Great comfort and interesting performance (367 hp, 0 to 100 km / h in 5.3 seconds) come at a high price, beyond 70,000 euros for a well-equipped version.
Notice
WE love
- Neat presentation
- Reassuring character
- Versatile motor
We like less
- Malus important
- Heavy weight
- Many options
Our verdict
Diesel still has some nice scraps on certain uses, despite a penalizing penalty.
Price
Audi Q5 Sportback 40 TDI Quattro S-Tronic 7
From 59,080 euros
Audi Q5 Sportback range
- Diesel, from 163 to 341 hp, from € 56,190 to € 83,500
- Plug-in hybrid gasoline, from 299 to 367 hp, from 65,690 to 74,590 €
Tested version: 63,480 €
From € 59,080
Average manufacturer consumption / during the test: 6.4 / 9.2
CO2 (g / km) / penalty: 167 to 180 / 1,761 to 4,279 €
Fiscal power: 11 CV
Country of Manufacture: Mexico
Recommended options:
Electronically regulated air suspension, € 2,040
Panoramic sunroof, € 1,870
Reading of signs, 310 €
Charging the phone by induction, 250 €
Tow hook, € 1,000
Main competitors :
BMW X4 xDrive 20d 190, from € 57,799
Mercedes GLC 220 d 4MATIC, from 63,100 €
Technical sheet
Engine: front, transverse, in-line 4-cylinder, 16-valve, diesel, turbo, common rail direct injection, DPF, mild-hybrid system, 1,968 cc
Transmission: four-wheel drive, robotized twin-clutch 7-speed
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 204 to 3,800
Torque (Nm at rpm): 400 to 1,750
Weight (kg): 1900
Long. x larg. x haut. (m) : 4,69 x 1,89 x 1,66
Wheelbase (m): 2.82
Max speed (km / h): 222
0 to 100 km/h (s.): 7.6
Tank (l): 70
Standard tires: 235/60 R 18
Test tires: Pirelli Scorpion Verde
Chest at 5 / at 2 (l): 510 / 1,480
To read on auto-moto.com:
The Peugeot 508 PSE against the Audi S5 Sportback and BMW M340i Touring
Audi RS e-tron GT electric test
Used Audi SQ5: our opinion, from 28,000 euros
